Pressure Relief Techniques
Pressure Relief in Wheelchair - Side to Side Method
1. Lock wheels
2. Swing away one arm rest
3. Hold onto remaining armrest and lean body to the opposite side (repeat on other side)
Note: If you have difficulty holding onto arm rest due to strength deficits, utilize a
stationary table/chair to lean against during pressure relief
4. Hold position for 30-90 seconds
Pressure Relief in Wheelchair - Leaning Forward Method
1. Lock wheels
2. Bend forward and bring chest to knees
3. Hold position for 30-90 seconds
4. Use armrests, knees, handles to pull yourself back into
upright position
Pressure Relief in Wheelchair - Push Ups
1. Use upper body strength to grip arm rests and lift bottom off of
seat
2. Hold position for 30-90 seconds
Note: this technique should be avoided if you unable to
complete the previous techniques
Pressure Relief in Wheelchair - Alternative Side to Side
Note: Use this method for a less obvious pressure relief (out in
the community) or if you experience poor trunk control
1. Lock wheels
2. Cross one leg over the other and lean back to one side while
holding your knee in position
3. Hold for 30-90 seconds
4. Repeat on other leg
Pressure Relief in Wheelchair - Alternative Forward Leaning
1. Lock wheels
2. Cross your leg by putting one ankle over the other knee and
lean forward
3. Hold for 30-90 seconds
4. Repeat on other leg
Pressure Relief Techniques in Bed
Tips to Prevent Pressure Sores/Ulcers
- Use a foam mattress or one filled with gel or air
- Place pads under your bottom to absorb wetness to help keep skin dry
- Use soft pillow or piece of soft foam between parts of body that press against each other
- When lying on side:
- Put pillow or foam between knees and ankles
- When lying on back:
- Put pillow or foam:
- Under heels or calves to lift up heels
- Under tailbone area
- Under shoulders
- Under elbows
- Do NOT put pillows under knees as it puts pressure on your heels
- Never drag body to change position as it can cause skin breakdown
- Use a draw sheet for positioning and transfers
- Change position every 1-2 hours or as requested per doctor
- Do not raise the head of the bed more than 30 degrees
- Check skin daily
Positioning After Stroke
- Lying on Affected Side:
- Place pillow under the head
- Position affected arm in front of body
- Place unaffected leg forward on top of
pillow
- Position affected leg straight
- Place pillows in front and behind for safety
- Lying on Unaffected Side:
- Place pillow under the head
- Position affected shoulder forward with arm
supported on pillow
- Place affected leg forward on pillow
- Place pillow behind for safety and support
- Lying on Back:
- Place pillow under the head
- Place pillow under shoulder
- Position affected arm entirely on pillow
- Place pillow underneath affected hip
- Position feet in neutral position
- Sitting in Bed:
- Position well supported by pillows
- Place pillows behind head
- Place pillows under both arms in neutral position
- Suport and position legs as desired in neutral position
- Sitting Up in Chair:
- Position hips in neutral position, place pillows at hips as
needed for support
- Place arms forward onto pillows on a table
- Position feet flat on floor or footrests
Pressure Relief and Positioning Additional Resources:
https://www.aci.health.nsw.gov.au/networks/spinal-cord-injury/pi-toolkit/management/address-
causative-and-contributing-factors/bed-positioning
https://msktc.org/sci/factsheets/skincare/How-To-Do-Pressure-Reliefs
https://www.chss.org.uk/documents/2013/08/f16_stroke_positioning_chart.pdf
https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000147.htm
Disclaimer: These techniques should be completed with supervision or assistance as
appropriate per case. Always ask a professional if you feel unsafe as a caregiver.
